拍品專文
This impressive libation cup is a fine example of the level of skill and attention to detail carvers possesed. Compare with a Ming dynasty 'nine dragons' rhinoceros horn libation cup sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 31 May 2010, lot 1804 and another in the collection of the late Dr. Ip Yee illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.130, no. 135. See also a cup with very similar carved monster-masks and flanges in the Durham University Oriental Museum, illustrated in ibid, p. 154, no. 188.
The depiction of nine dragons is particularly auspicious as the number nine was regarded as a perfect number by the Chinese and emblematic of heaven and the ruling emperor.
The depiction of nine dragons is particularly auspicious as the number nine was regarded as a perfect number by the Chinese and emblematic of heaven and the ruling emperor.